Why should I save my scraps?

• Scraps make great borders, decorative squares, and mosaics.
• You can use them to make punchies with your large collection of punches.
• You only need a little bit of paper to cut out the letters for a title.
• Small pieces of paper can be used to create accents on handmade greeting cards.
• Your children will love to “scrap” with you! Give them a pile of your scraps to get started.
• It saves you money! (so you can buy OTHER scrapbooking things!)

How should I organize my scraps?

There are a few different ways you can organize your scraps, and whatever system works best for you is the one you should follow. My personal system includes separating your scrap paper into three categories: cardstock, patterned paper, and specialty papers. You can also get really ambitious and color code your scraps by storing them in separate file folders. I recommend a drawer or folder that is large enough to hold 12 x 12 paper, so that you don’t need to cut your scraps down even more before filing them. You never know when you’ll need a 12 x 12 border!

It is a good idea to clean out your scrap folders or drawers every once in a while. When my scrap supply gets out of control, I get rid of the smaller pieces of paper and hold on to the larger ones. It’s actually kind of fun to go through my old scraps. Just like a quilter knows her fabrics, I can tell you how each paper scrap was used.

I’ve been saving my scraps since I first started scrapbooking. It’s amazing how often I go to my scrap drawer and find the perfect paper to use on another layout or card. So often I find that I need just a small piece of paper in a certain color, and don’t want to cut into a brand new piece. So don’t toss those scraps; they can be used.
About the Author
Andrea Steed is the author and creator of Scrap Tutor, a web site and CD-ROM that teaches you how to create scrapbooks and how to perform many popular techniques used in scrapbooking. For more information, visit www.scraptutor.com.

Wall decor: Murals are a luxurious choice but not always a viable one. If a mural is possible, consider one created on canvas that can be hung like wall paper to avoid having your home disrupted for any length of time. In many instances a canvas mural can be removed when hung professionally with little or no damage to the walls. You can even have a canvas mural hung on a thin piece of finished wood which can be removed and relocated if desired.

Wall Hangings are an inexpensive option that can adorn your child’s wall in many themes, colors and sizes, shapes and styles. They go up easily, inexpensively and can be taken down and saved or relocated, just as quickly.

Wall Borders are usually associated with a theme room and are available in numerous colors, styles and designs. Quite often they can be hung as a DIY project, with install directions sometimes included from the manufacturer or available at your local hardware store.

Stick-n-peel. Removable Wall art seems to be one of the newest trends. Be sure to look for the ones that say “removable”. They are available in many sizes, designs and colors but are not quite as easily found. The removable ones absolutely leave no damage to the wall and depending on the manufacturer the quality provides a great, convenient look that can be altered, rearranged or removed and saved on the original backing sheet for relocation!

We offer all of the above ideas and can help to create that perfect nursery or room for your child. Come visit our website and get some new ideas rolling.

About the Author:
I am Lisa Kennedy, co-author of this article and with the help of my sister/muralist, I came up with the most perfect nursery – even better than I imagined for my daughter. Think long and hard about the above steps and you can do the same. Visit their site at www.makingascenemural.com or email at lisa@makingascenemural.com.